Hunting in Tasmania
The southern hemisphere's finest fallow deer on historic grazing runs
Tasmania is a single-species deer destination, and what a species it is. The Midlands and Central Highlands carry what many regard as the best quality fallow herd in the southern hemisphere, descended from English park stock introduced in the 1830s and managed by the same grazing families for nearly two centuries.
The island manages fallow deer as game through NRE Tasmania. The antlered buck season opens in late February and runs into early April, covering the start of the croak, with each licensed hunter allowed one male deer per year under tag. The antlerless season runs far longer, February to October, giving meat and management hunters a generous window.
Beyond the deer, Tasmania offers abundant rabbits and hares, brown trout in the same valleys you hunt, and the unique experience of hunting hedgerow and grassland country that looks more like old England than anywhere else in Australia. Note that Tasmania is fox free: there is no fox shooting, and any suspected fox sighting should be reported.
Tasmania hunting rules at a glance
- Tasmanian hunting licences are issued annually through NRE Tasmania; a firearms licence is required to apply for deer.
- The antlered buck season runs late February to early April, with one male deer per hunter per year under a tag ordered ahead of the season.
- The antlerless fallow season runs February to October, with no government quota on most participating private properties.
- An annual game take return must be submitted for antlerless deer.
- Tasmania is fox free; wallaby control on some properties operates under separate crop protection permits.
Rules change: always confirm current requirements with the state regulator before your trip. Your booking provides written landholder permission for your dates.
Best hunting regions in Tasmania
Hunting in Tasmania: common questions
How do I get a licence to hunt deer in Tasmania?
Apply annually through NRE Tasmania; you must hold a firearms licence to apply for deer. Order your male deer tag at least two weeks before you plan to hunt in the buck season. Your property booking covers the landholder permission side.
When is the Tasmanian fallow deer season?
The antlered buck season opens in late February and runs into early April, covering the start of the rut. The antlerless season is much longer, running February to October, with no government quota on most private land.
Why is Tasmanian fallow hunting so highly regarded?
The Midlands herd descends from quality English park stock and has been managed carefully for nearly two centuries. Mature bucks carry mass and palmation rarely seen on the mainland, and the frost-and-hedgerow country they live in is unique in Australia.
Can I hunt foxes in Tasmania?
No. Tasmania is fox free and works hard to stay that way. If you think you have seen a fox in Tasmania, report it to Biosecurity Tasmania. Rabbits and hares provide the small game hunting on the island.
Hunting properties in Tasmania
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